With a Bit of Luck Chapter 6
Provenza took his time walking the files down to Captain Raydor's office. It had been a while since he had found himself walking those particular halls, but the general feelings of annoyance they produced quickly returned; it was not his favorite department. After passing by a few of the desks, he found himself outside Raydor's door. It was open just enough for him to be able to see her writing at her desk. The office itself was much smaller than Chief Johnson's, but still better than others.
He knocked as he pushed the door open wider and grumbled, "Captain."
Sharon swiftly raised her head, slightly startled by his curt entrance, "Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Captain," Provenza bit out with forced professionalism as he stepped further into the office. "I have the files from the Chief here for you." He held out the files for her to take.
She reached out and nodded, "Oh. Thank you, Lieutenant. I had not expected your Chief to be able to get these together so quickly after our meeting."
"Your meeting?" The Lieutenant probed as if he was unaware anything had taken place. He adopted what he hoped was a passively interested tone and wondered, "When did you have time for a meeting? Weren't you out of town?"
With her eyes on the files she had just taken from him, Sharon smirked slightly, "Yes, I was. We just went to lunch today." She shrugged her shoulders, brushing off his inquisitive stare. "Nothing to concern yourself with Lieutenant."
Provenza pressed his lips together into a false smile, "Of course, Captain." He took a step back, "Well, I hope you have everything there that you were needing."
"Of course," she smirked. When he did not immediately go to leave she added, "Was there anything else?"
"Anything else? Well, no," Provenza stammered. "Just delivering those for the Chief." Seeing he was not going to get any more information out of her he made to leave.
As he moved toward her office door, Sharon returned her attention to her work. Before he had taken more than a step away she sighed, "I see. Well, thank you for the delivery. I am glad you were able to spare some time from today's puzzle to walk these down."
At the slight dig, he turned back around. "What was that Captain?"
Sharon glanced up, her eyes shining, "Oh, I was just saying that I was glad you could get away. I know how hard you work on those crosswords. I would hate for you to miss out on getting one completed while you all were between cases."
"I do not know what you are talking about. I work," Provenza challenged taking a small step toward her. "What is with the world today? First Flynn, then the Chief, and now you… It is like there is a huge conspiracy out to attack my work ethic."
Sharon suppressed a laugh, "Shocking that everyone would have the same thought." She paused and brought her pen to her lips as she gazed up at him, "What a strange coincidence."
"Coincidence?" Provenza huffed. "Coincidence? I do not for one second believe that is the case. You and Flynn must have communicated while I was walking down here. He was mocking my work habits too." Provenza crossed his arms, "There is no way you two have become telepathic in the last week."
Sharon grinned, "Telepathic?"
"Gods, I already said I was not okay with any of this. I have merely been minding my own business, trying to do my job," Provenza waved his hand in front of him. "And now the two of you think it is funny to question something that has been working for decades. I am definitely not okay with being ganged up on by you two insane people."
"Well, Louie," Sharon reasoned, tilting her head to the side. "It looks like you may just have to get used to the idea for now. I mean, for your own mental health and wellbeing. You seem a little stressed and high strong. Can't be good for you."
At the sound of his name he froze. Ignoring everything else she said, he choked out, "Louie?" Provenza took small step forward and grumbled, "Captain, unless I have divorced you - which will thank the good lord never ever be the case - my first name is and forever will be Lieutenant." He crossed his arms around his chest defiantly; trusting he had made his point.
A menacing smile appeared across Sharon's face. "Oh, but Louie," she cooed, undeterred by his little rant. "That may be a good rule, but what if someone outranks you?"
Provenza dropped his arms in shock at her logic, unable to think of a plausible way to counter. "Well, I, well," he sputtered and looked around the room for a moment. Not being able to shake her reasoning he took a step back and huffed, "Well, you may win on that one, Captain." He pointed his index finger in her direction, "but that does not mean I have to like it. I am not going to keep letting you win this little game you insist on playing."
"Good to know," Sharon smirked again before returning her attention once again to her desk. "I do so enjoy our little chats. I would hate it if you decided to give up and let me win."
Provenza plastered a fake smile on his face as he left, "Yes, Captain. What a tragedy that would be." Sharon smiled to herself as he left the room and she returned to her tasks.
-x-
A couple hours later, Sharon sat at her desk and gathered her things to leave. She reached for her phone at the same moment it began to vibrate on the desk.
A tired smile crossed her face as she swiped the screen to answer. "Lieutenant Flynn," she nodded into the phone.
"Captain Raydor," he chided in return before dropping the professional pretense. "So, how did it go?"
"Do you mean the lunch?" She asked as she let out an exasperated breath, "Like I said, I guess it went all right. Although, part of me wishes I was still out of town. I mean Chief Johnson and then Lieutenant Provenza both in the span of a couple hours? What did I do to deserve that?"
On his side of the line Andy began to laugh, "It was catch up time for the couple of days away." He let out another chuckle, "Or, I guess that could be what you get for trying to be more friendly and cooperative."
"Very funny," she sighed resting her head against the back of her chair. "You know if it is that much of a hardship on all of you I am sure I could always find some reason to..."
"I take it back," he grinned. "Keep on with your evil plans of killing everyone with kindness."
"So lovely to have your understanding and your permission," Sharon clucked proudly. Although, after a moment of replying the lunch conversation in her mind she closed her eyes and sighed, "You do know I am just trying to help, right?" At the question Andy let out a skeptical sound, that forced her to go on, "Hey there hot shot." She smirked into the phone, "I am. I mean, sure you don't always seem to realize it, but who puts themself out there to make sure innocent officers are not dragged through the mud?"
Andy cautiously pressed his lips together to consider his next words, "Well, I guess that is true..."
"You guess?" She interrupted a little louder than she had intended. "Don't you start with this now too. Andy you know what my job entails."
"Yes," he drawled nervously. "Yes, I do."
"Good," she huffed bringing her fingers up to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Because I am too exhausted to do this again today. Too tired to defend myself while trying to not upset someone who is too quick to judge. I have already had to deal with the Chief and her delicate ego, I don't really want to navigate around yours either."
"That's not fair," Andy responded a little too quickly. "I am being supportive. It is not my fault you had a rough day. You are the one who should be thankful to have at least one person on your side."
"Thankful?" Sharon clarified, sitting up a little taller in her chair. "Thankful that you are only an allegation away from flying off the handle in front of everyone in your division? One internal investigation away from questioning my motives and my team without thinking through the reasons for having a set of procedure in place?" She paused for a moment to regain control of her tone, "Let's not forget who raised their voice to whom the other day in the conference room. Was it necessary then?"
"Maybe not," Andy huffed. "But let's look at the track record shall we? Let's -"
"How about we don't," Sharon interrupted cooly. "I sincerely doubt you want to finish that statement, Lieutenant Flynn."
"You sure about that?" Andy choked out, "Captain Raydor."
"Oh I am," she countered before taking another deep breath to calm her rising ire. "I think it may be a good idea to hang up now. I was just on my way to my dinner. I would hate for you to say something you would regret. You do realize that you are almost as bad as the others? I am not going to continue to defend myself to you or anyone else. Especially when you refuse to recognize both sides. Understood?"
"Fine." He stated as he pressed end.
In her office she pulled the phone away from her ear and echoed, "Fine." Sharon stored her phone in her purse and finished packing up her files. She was meeting her friend for dinner and needed to get going in order to account for traffic around downtown.
-x-
An hour later Sharon sat in the bar area of the restaurant recounting the day's events to Andrea. "Well," her friend shrugged as she picked up her glass. "What did you expect? It's not like you can erase all of that history and animosity in a week..." she allowed her voice trail as she took a sip and nodded, "or a year or two."
Sharon rolled her eyes, "I know. Things take time, but it can still be annoying. Aren't I allowed to complain? I mean everyone else seem to get the chance..." She reached for her glass and took a sip as well. "I mean I do truly enjoy my job, I believe in it. I also have a deep sense of pride for what I have been able to accomplish for the department over my years there. However, with all of that being said - Do I enjoy being seen as the outsider? To be hated by everyone outside of my department?" Sharon paused to consider her own question for a moment while her friend listened from across the table. After a few breaths, Sharon smirked, "Well, I guess I don't necessarily dislike being hated. It does at least mean I am doing my job. Even if it would be nice to occasionally be treated as a person…"
"True," her friend smiled in agreement. "But still," she teased as she reached her glass and lifted it into the air as a toast. "To Darth Raydor, Queen of the Rat Squad… or whatever new name they have going for you this week."
Sharon snorted as she clinked her glass with her friend's, "Exactly." She took a sip and smiled, "Of course I would never let any of them know this, but I am a bit proud to embody such a character. I mean one who warrants such menacing nicknames. It means I am doing my job." She laughed, "I mean the fact that I can make a handful of them stop on a dime at the sound of my voice, or have another handful of them quaking at the sight of me means I at least have some kind of respect. Of course, if they realized my presence was a necessity to keep the department in line that would be all right as well..."
Andrea smirked, "I think they know."
"Possibly," Sharon took another sip. "Now, don't go telling anyone I secretly appreciate the notoriety of being able to instill that level of fear… because then it could really turn into an issue."
"Yes, you must maintain that balance..." Andrea took another sip before she teased, "Of course that whole persona of the tough as nails, uncaring witch seems to be contradicted by you sneaking around with that Lieutenant up there."
"I do not know what you are talking about, Andrea," Sharon grinned placing her glass back down on the table. When her friend rolled her eyes, Sharon smiled again, "Well, I mean that wasn't really the plan. He does kind of grow on you after a while though."
"Oh," Andrea smirked. "So, there was a plan? I mean, I just assumed prim and proper Sharon Raydor liked to live impulsively..."
As her friend's voice trailed Sharon swirled the liquid in her glass. Staring at her drink she shrugged and sighed, "Occasionally..."
"But how on earth did one impulsive moment lead to this?" Andrea asked, "I mean I am still confused about the timeline. Sure he is easy on the eyes and has that whole tough guy thing about him, but still…"
Sharon smirked, "I know. Trust me, I know what you mean. Actually, it all started with me having to go out with them to question a witness…" Sharon's voice trailed as she recalled the case. "Major Crimes was investigating a kidnapping, but of course had managed to tick off the reporting party. So, I went along to make sure that nothing got out of hand. Which of course things did…"
Sharon dropped her keys into the bowl by the door and pointed to her desk, "Sit down over there, Flynn." Andy shook his head, frustrated by the command, but limped over to the chair. Slightly annoyed to be showing the man into her apartment Sharon ordered, "Just stay there. I am going to get the first aid kit."
As she disappeared down the hall, Andy dropped heavily into the chair. He glanced down at his injured leg and groaned to himself, "That dirtbag."
From down the hall Sharon heard him move and called, "Remember. Stay still." He squished up his face slightly and mocked her before she added, "And don't touch anything, Lieutenant."
Annoyed at her overhearing rules, Andy rolled his eyes defiantly. He reached out and shuffled the papers around on her desk just as she reappeared in the room.
Rounding the corner she reached out and swatted at his hands, "Flynn! I said not to touch anything."
Andy shook off her touch and teased, "Hey now, Raydor. I am the one who just got jumped trying to question that guy with you. I didn't have to step in when he got a little irritated with your nagging. Show some sympathy over here."
"Oh, yes, my hero." Sharon mocked. "And I didn't have to offer to help you after you ran your mouth off at the suspect and he kicked you with those nice steel toed boots... After he was secured in the patrol car we could have driven the extra few miles to the hospital instead of coming here." She bent down in front of him, "Now, let me see your leg."
He let out a strained huff as she peeled away the blood stained fabric.
"This is what we are talking about here?" She gawked up at him, "You're joking right? This scratch?"
He drew his leg away from her and studied the wound, "What do you mean scratch? I can almost see the bone." Sharon rolled her eyes at his exaggeration. Feigning insult, he moved to stand, "Fine, I'll just take my leg to someone who actually cares. Surely I can make it to the hospital before I bleed out."
Sharon blocked him with her hand and nudged him back into the chair. "Stop, Lieutenant. You're bleeding all over my carpet."
"See," Andy fell back into the chair. "I told you it was more than a scratch. Blood everywhere."
She shook her head and set out fresh gauze and alcohol swatches. While he watched her motions as she silently began to dress the wound.
At the sting of the alcohol, he pulled his leg back slightly and warned, "Hey, watch it Raydor."
Still annoyed with his embellishment she scolded, "Oh, don't be such a baby, Flynn. You are worse than a child." She pressed her lips together and delicately blew at the scrape to cool the burn. "Better?" She questioned as she looked up at him.
Thinking he actually saw something like care flash across her eyes he sighed, "Yeah." He turned his head, suddenly uncomfortable with their closeness.
Sharon felt the change as well and moved to stand. "Let me see if I have something more than gauze and a few Band-Aids to wrap this with. You may need stitches after all."
Andy reached out to help steady her movement. At the feel of his hand on her elbow she glanced down and whispered, "I thought I said not to touch anything."
"Well," he shrugged now sure she was trying to avoid the growing tension in the room. "I've never been very good at following the rules."
She smirked and leaned forward, her face inches away from his, "No. You haven't."
They sat silently, eyes locked. After a brief moment she pulled away, "But today is as good as any to start." She tossed him a challenging glance.
Andy looked into her eyes and smirked, "I agree." With her still a few inches away he reached out to pull her back to him.
After the retelling, Andrea could not help but grin, "I mean, sure I can see how it happened that night. I just don't see how it is still a thing today. He is not exactly the long term relationship type."
"Well, I mean it really isn't that kind of an arrangement," Sharon shrugged. "But really, who would have known that hot headed ass would be so clingy." When her friend burst into laughter Sharon could not help but giggle along, "Yes, and I mean he has some other positives as well."
"I bet," Andrea choked out between laughs. "It is a bit strange though how the rulebook herself is seemingly dating someone within the department, and I mean someone like Lieutenant Flynn."
Sharon eyed her friend, "Well, I don't think we are dating." She squished her face at the word. "I don't know that seems so strange. We just see each other, maybe… I don't want to get into it right now, things get complicated when you try to dissect them. Plus, he likes to test me and right now I am still too frustrated with him to imagine anything more." She picked up her glass again, "Besides, no matter what you want to call it, it is not really against the rules. I mean there are loopholes."
"Loopholes?" Andrea ginned, "Leave it to you to know all about those."
Sharon casually shrugged, "I do have a working knowledge of the regulations. It is almost like I helped write the rules, or something."
"Or something," Andrea echoed grinning at her friend's comical response. "Well, whatever is going on… I say, good for you. Especially since that loser of a basically ex-husband of yours has been in and out for so long. I mean you do not have to be a nun just because you have your own strange reasons to string that man along."
"Yes, I am still allowed to live." Sharon nodded, "and I will deal with that other part when I need to. This is all fine for now."
Andrea smirked, "Seems like it." She glanced down at her phone to check the time, "Well, it is getting kind of late. I still need to finish a few things for my case." She glanced up to find their waiter.
"Yes," Sharon agreed grabbing her purse. "I have some things to do too. It has been a very long day." Her friend gave her a sympathetic smile as she went on, "Thanks for listening to me complain about work. It really is not that bad, just a lot going on right now."
Andrea shook off her comment, "You weren't complaining. They are all just special treasures and you are the lucky one who gets to deal with them more regularly. I do not envy you one bit."
Sharon smiled, "You are involved with your fair share as well."
"True," Andrea agreed. "But they have to be nice to me. Otherwise I would not be able to take their cases to court."
Sharon shrugged, "Yes. Although you would think the fact that I could recommend them for additional trainings, seminars, or even termination would afford me at least some support."
"Well, who knows you could get lucky," Andrea mused as the waiter returned and she laid down some cash. "We will see what the new Chief has planned."
"Who knows," Sharon repeated as she stood. "Thanks again, Andrea. I am sure I will see you soon."
Andrea smiled, "More than likely. See you later, Sharon."
After she got back to her car Sharon pulled out her phone. There was a missed call from Andy, but she was not really prepared to rehash anything from earlier just yet. She had had a good evening with her friend and did not want that to potentially be ruined by having to defend her self once again. However, when she pulled into the parking garage at the base of her building she noticed a familiar car in the visitor parking spot. She dropped her head for a moment to gather her strength before exiting her car. As she stepped out and closed the door Andy emerged from his as well. Before she could speak he put his hands up in front of him in surrender and held out a take out bag from the bakery around the corner.
A/N: I worked another tumblr drabble into this chapter as the flashback... The one sentence prompt was "You're bleeding all over my carpet." In my original response she just leaves... but I tweaked the ending a bit to make it work here. Hopefully that made sense...
